The 12th-seeded Colorado State Rams and fifth-seeded Memphis Tigers will face off in the first round of the West Region on Friday afternoon in Seattle, WA. The Rams enter on a 10-game winning streak, while the Tigers come in having won eight in a row. Something will have to give, presenting fans with a terrific opening-round matchup.
Below, we’ll make a prediction for this game as well as break down the spread, total, and money line bets.
Betting Preview
All Colorado State vs. Memphis odds are from Fanduel Sportsbook and are correct as of Thursday, March 20, 2025.
- Spread
Colorado State -1.5 - Moneyline
Colorado State -125, Memphis +104 - Over/Under
146.5 Points - Game Time
Friday, March 21, 2:00 p.m. ET - Location
Climate Pledge Arena | Seattle - How To Watch
truTV
Colorado State has been excellent in terms of covering this season, sporting a 21-13 record ATS. After beginning the season only covering three of their first 11 games, the Rams have gone 21-5 ATS in their last 26 games, including covering each of their last 10 games.
Memphis has played in a number of close games this season, resulting in them covering only 16 of 34 games. However, they did go 8-5 ATS during their non-conference schedule and have covered six of eight as the underdog.
Both teams tend to go over the point total, with the Rams going over 19 times and the Tigers 18. However, in their last four games, both have evenly gone over twice and under twice.
Colorado State vs. Memphis Preview
Colorado State enters with a 25-9 overall record, including 19-4 in the Mountain West and claimed the conference tournament title to ensure a spot in the NCAA Tournament. On February 11, they sat at 15-9 following a loss to the Utah State Aggies.
Ten consecutive wins followed, and the Rams now find themselves favored in the first-round matchup despite being a 12 seed.
The Tigers arguably have the toughest draw of all the five seeds after notching 29 wins and going 19-2 in the AAC. In addition to claiming the regular-season title, they also won the conference tournament, winning two close games before running away in the championship game.
Much of that was due to guard P.J. Haggerty’s team-high 23 points and seven rebounds. The 6’3″ sophomore is a terrific slasher, getting to the rim and free throw line at will on his way to averaging 21.8 ppg while grabbing 5.8 rpg and dishing out 3.8 apg.
Forward Dain Dainja wasn’t far behind in the title game, totaling 22 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists. At 6’9″, the Illinois senior transfer has the ability to finish at a high rate down low, as evidenced by his 61.5% shooting from the field.
KEEP READING: March Madness Fun Facts: Surprising Stats and Records You Need To Know
Third-leading scorer Tyrese Hunter was injured during the AAC tournament and was recently seen in a walking boot, pitting his availability as a major question mark. He contributed 13.7 ppg — but if he isn’t able to suit up, others will have to shoulder more of the load.
The Rams, on the other hand, are led by senior guard Nique Clifford, who’s averaging 27.8 ppg over his last four games while nailing 11 of 23 attempts from three-point range. In addition to averaging 19.0 ppg this season, he’s grabbing a team-high 9.7 rpg — at only 6’6″. He also leads the team in assists (4.4 apg) and steals (1.2 spg).
Outside of Clifford, the Rams rely on guards Jalen Lake and Kyan Evans to provide scoring — although they only combined for eight points in the Mountain West title game.
If they’re poised to down the Tigers, Colorado State will need more from their two guards to combat Haggerty and Dainja.
Best Bets and Final Score Prediction
As always, Vegas knows. The total of 146.5 points is perfectly placed, making it difficult to choose either side. In each team’s last four games, they’ve evenly split going over and under the point total.
For those reasons, I’d suggest a player prop with plus odds that’s hit at a high rate as of late.
Colorado State’s Clifford to score 25+ points is set at +205. Remember the fact that he’s averaging 27.5 ppg over his last four games — while going over the 25 points mark in three of those games — and this is an extremely attractive bet.
Pull the trigger on that one, as Clifford will have a high usage rate and could pay off in a big way, considering the over two-to-one odds.
KEEP READING: Legends of March Madness
In terms of the money line, this one is right on a platter.
Yes, the Rams have won 10 games in a row and three games in three days in the MW Tournament to reach the dance as one of the hottest teams in the country. But the Tigers are right there with them, having won eight games in a row and being ranked in the AP top-25 for most of the season.
The potential absence of Hunter will hurt — but Haggerty and Dainja should excel and lead the fifth-seeded Tigers to an upset win, betting-wise. The odds are currently +104 for Memphis to win outright. That’s a gimme, as they’re the better and deeper team and will advance to the second round of the tournament.
Picks: Nique Clifford 25+ Points, Memphis ML (+104)
Prediction: Memphis 73, Colorado State 68
Don’t miss a moment of March Madness! Download your 2025 NCAA Tournament printable bracket and stay on top of every game, matchup, and Cinderella story. Get yours now!
